Daniels starts again in Dallas with Mayfield's thumb still out

Baker Mayfield is out Thursday night, and undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels makes his second NFL start when the Buccaneers visit the Cowboys at 8:15 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

Adam Schefter posted Wednesday that Tampa Bay ruled out Mayfield and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Ian Rapoport posted the same Mayfield ruling. Coach Todd Bowles has said the dislocated right thumb would cost a minimum of three weeks, and ESPN reported a source range of three to six weeks, depending on Mayfield's grip. The injury listing shows an Oct. 25 return date. The NFL said Thursday this is Daniels' second career start, from AT&T Stadium.

Daniels is 19 of 30 for 148 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions, with nine carries for 64 yards, per ESPN. In Sunday's 17-14 loss to Green Bay he was 19 of 27 for 148 yards, one score and two interceptions, plus eight carries for 55 yards. Tampa Bay is 0-4. Dallas is 2-2 after a 34-30 win at Houston.

Bucky Irving is the Buccaneers start: 56 carries for 241 yards and a touchdown, plus 13 catches for 61 yards. Kenny Gainwell has 13 carries for 26 yards and eight catches for 44 yards and a score. Cade Otton (15 catches, 157 yards), Emeka Egbuka (15 for 154 and a touchdown) and Chris Godwin Jr. (16 for 142) are thin flexes. Daniels is at 4.9 yards per attempt.

Dak Prescott has completed 105 of 150 passes for 1,065 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception. CeeDee Lamb has 37 catches for 498 yards and four touchdowns. Javonte Williams has 62 carries for 231 yards and five touchdowns. Tyler Smith makes his season debut at left guard. The Cowboys activated him from injured reserve after surgery for a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb. Dallas waived running back Emari Demercado, to clear the spot.

Joey Porter Jr. is out with an illness. ESPN reported the ruling about an hour and 45 minutes before kickoff, and Rapoport posted the same news. Porter played 24 snaps Sunday after the trade from Pittsburgh. Dallas owes a 2027 sixth-round pick only if he is active for two games, so that count waits.

Start Prescott, Lamb, Williams and Irving. Sit Mayfield. One-quarterback leagues can sit Daniels. Superflex teams short a quarterback can play him while the thumb keeps Mayfield out. Winfield (rib fracture), DeMarvion Overshown (hamstring) and Cobie Durant (hamstring) are also out. Camden Brown is inactive on a coach's decision.

Watch Irving's carries on the short week, and whether Williams keeps scoring with Smith back.